Families in need of support can access financial aid through A-AWA’s Emergency Response Fund. Since 2020, our organization has mobilized over $250,000 from individual donors, not only to assist vulnerable families locally but also to fund income-generating projects in Afghanistan. Our beneficiaries range from terminally ill parents and refugee children with special needs to individuals facing illness without family support and survivors of domestic violence, as well as grassroots projects in Afghanistan. 

This fund plays a crucial role in preserving newcomers’ dignity and mental well-being, providing essential support for basic needs like rental assistance, Internet access, school supplies, and household items to our most vulnerable families. A-AWA is dedicated to maximizing all available resources, including administrative costs, to contribute to this fund whenever possible. Central to our effectiveness are our committed volunteers, who invest countless hours in supporting A-AWA’s participants, reducing overall expenses, and delivering additional direct services to families in need. 

Unfortunately, demand for assistance is on the rise, exacerbated by recent inflation and the traditional socioeconomic challenges faced by newcomers, such as employment and housing insecurity. Over the past year, we’ve witnessed a significant uptick in requests for financial aid, particularly to prevent evictions, as many large families struggle to cope with economic pressures.